The Spanish giants earned another win to move up to third in the league courtesy of the Argentine's treble and Jose Callejon's solitary goal.

Higuain, who recently returned from a long spell on the sidelines through injury, started the game in place of Karim Benzema who is currently struggling with a groin problem, and was delighted with how the game went.

"I played a full match and I'm happy about that as it will help me reach optimum form," the forward told Gol TV after the game.

"I suffered a lot coming back (from injury). I recovered and I needed a game like that. I was looking forward to playing this well and scoring again," he continued.

The victory is Madrid's third consecutive triumph in all competitions and Higuain urged his team-mates to continue their recent form.

"This victory allows us to catch up with those in the lead. It was a difficult game that served me to grow more confident and to have more playing time.

We have to continue working and playing as a team because it will lead us to win titles," he added.

Real are next in action when they entertain Real Betis at the Bernabeu on October 15.